“There is still prejudice among some of my people,” Elowyn says softly. “An arrogance at times. An unspoken, quiet disdain. I don’t wish for you to be surprised when we travel to Celesta. My parents may have quashed an open rebellion bent on culling the strongest of the low-born elves from Lostariel, but elves are not quick to forget.”
Rominy’s heart speeds up at her words. “Do I need to worry someone will try to hurt you again? Because your mother is low born?”
“I don’t believe so. But we will almost certainly encounter rudeness, especially from some of the most well-established high-born families.”
“I doubt marrying a human has helped your cause.”
A quiet chuckle fills her. “No. But most elves love my parents.”
Rominy moves closer to her in the water and slides his hands onto her waist. “Don’t let me drown.”
“Are you asking me to buoy you with my water magic so you can touch me without worrying about treading water?”
“That sounds about right.”
Laughter flits from her. “Done.”
He relaxes into her magic and sighs. “Perfect. Thank you. Now, I believe I promised you anything you want, love, and I still haven’t made good on that promise. What do you want to do tonight?”
“Let’s go on an adventure and see our dragons again.”
“Dragons. I offer you whatever you want, and you choose dragons. I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“I don’t chase dragons with just anyone, you know.”
“There are other things you don’t do with just anyone.” He steals a kiss, and she holds back another laugh.
“What makes you think that’s not next on my list? After the dragons.”
“Either way, I promised anything you want, so I guess we go chasing dragons.”
RominyfollowsElowyndownthe stairs into their little cottage.
Chasing dragons. He shakes his head. He imagined that conversation going much differently.
It’s so good to see Elowyn strong, though. She doesn’t seem tired at all tonight.
She doesn’t even slow down at the bottom of the stairs as she pivots toward the bedroom, and he follows at a more sedate pace.
By the time he reaches the door, she’s already stripped out of her soggy dress, and he leans against the doorframe and watches her.
Dragons.
At least he’ll get to see her in leather again. With her painted eyes.
He should probably put on his own leathers.
As she slides her tunic over her head, he asks the heartlanding for his dragon-chasing garb and painted eyes, and the heartlanding doesn’t disappoint.
That transformation is still incredibly unsettling.
“You should change, my love,” Elowyn calls to him, and he doesn’t even try to hold back his grin.
“Are you eager to see me in leather again, El?”
“I’m always eager to see you in leather,” she says under her breath as she gathers her hair into a braid over her shoulder.
“Maybe we should get leathers for me in the real world once we reach Lostariel.”
